Selectively interchangeable neckties and necktie systems

ABSTRACT

Selectively interchangeable necktie systems including a bow member, a strap configured to retain the bow member proximate a user&#39;s neck, and a binder configured to selectively bind the bow member to the strap. In some examples, the selectively interchangeable necktie systems include a plurality of bow members. In some further examples, selectively interchangeable neckties include bow members, straps, and binders with different complimentary or contrasting colors, patterns, and materials.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to neckties. In particular, selectively interchangeable neckties and necktie systems are described.

Known neckties are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing neckties are configured in single patterns. Existing neckties are purchased by users based on a pre-determined pattern that is not adaptable to future wardrobe needs. Evolving wardrobes require users to update the pattern of existing neckties with additional purchases of newer neckties with different patterns.

In addition, conventional neckties are confined to pre-determined colors. Users of conventional neckties are required to purchase multiple neckties to accommodate different shirt colors and patterns. Often, a given conventional necktie is only suitable in combination with a single shirt; purchasing conventional neckties to match each shirt can be prohibitively expensive.

Moreover, even when adjustable, conventional neckties are limited to pre-determined colors, patterns, or materials. Conventional neckties lack adaptability, and users of conventional neckties may be forced to accumulate multiple conventional neckties to accommodate styling needs.

Thus, there exists a need for neckties that improve upon and advance the design of known neckties. Examples of new and useful selectively interchangeable neckties and necktie systems relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to interchangeable necktie systems including a bow member, a strap configured to retain the bow member proximate a user's neck, and a binder configured to selectively bind the bow member to the strap. In some examples, the selectively interchangeable necktie systems include a plurality of bow members. In some further examples, selectively interchangeable neckties include bow members, straps, and binders with different complimentary or contrasting colors, patterns, and materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top elevation view of a first example of a selectively interchangeable necktie system.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the selectively interchangeable necktie system shown in FIG. 1 depicting assembly of the selectively interchangeable necktie system.

FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of a second example of a selectively interchangeable necktie system including a plurality of bow members having varied characteristics.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the selectively interchangeable necktie system shown in FIG. 3 depicting the assembled system around a user's neck.

FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of an example of a selectively interchangeable necktie including two bow members having different characteristics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed selectively interchangeable neckties and necktie systems will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various selectively interchangeable neckties and necktie systems are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first example of a selectively interchangeable necktie system, selectively interchangeable necktie system 100, will now be described. Selectively interchangeable necktie system 100 includes a bow member 110, a strap 130, and a binder 120.

Selectively interchangeable necktie system 100 functions to create an interchangeable bowtie. In other examples, the system functions to create other types of neckties. For brevity, bow ties are shown and described in detail.

Selectively interchangeable necktie system 100 can be coordinated with users' apparel to improve users' appearance and accommodate a user's evolving wardrobe. For example, the color, pattern, and material of selectively interchangeable necktie system 100 can be coordinated with users' wardrobes.

Thus, selectively interchangeable necktie system 100 solves many conventional necktie issues. Selectively interchangeable necktie system 100 can accommodate users' evolving wardrobe needs using interchangeable colors, patterns, and materials. Selectively interchangeable necktie system 100 can be adapted to multiple shirt colors and patterns to reduce or eliminate the need to purchase additional conventional neckties.

As shown in FIG. 1, bow member 110 is substantially planar and includes a top edge 111 and a bottom edge 112. Further, bow member 110 includes a first edge 113 extending between top edge 111 and bottom edge 112. As shown in FIG. 1, bow member 110 includes a second edge 114 opposite first edge 113 and extending between top edge 111 and bottom edge 112.

Bow member 110 defines a first planar surface 117, bounded by top edge 111, bottom edge 112, first edge 113, and second edge 114. First planar surface 117 includes a first characteristic 150. In the FIG. 1 example, the pattern of first characteristic 150 is a checkered or grid pattern. However, the first characteristic may include one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of first planar surface 117.

The first characteristic may define any pattern now known or later developed. Suitable patterns may be striped, houndstooth, herringbone, paisley, geometric, polka-dot, novelty images, or solid patterns.

In the FIG. 1 example, the color of first characteristic 150 is blue. The first characteristic may define any color now known or later developed. Suitable colors include, but are not limited to, red, green, yellow, purple, pink, white, and black.

In the FIG. 1 example, the material of first characteristic 150 is cotton. The first characteristic may define any material now known or later developed. Suitable materials may be wool, silk, canvas, linen, polyester, nylon, and blends.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, bow member 110 also defines a second planar surface 118, opposite first planar surface 117, and bounded by top edge 111, bottom edge 112, first edge 113, and second edge 114. Second planar surface 118 includes a second characteristic 155. The second characteristic may include one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of the second planar surface.

In the FIG. 2 example, second characteristic 155 defines a color, pattern, and material different from the color, pattern, and material defined by first characteristic 150. Additionally or alternatively, the second characteristic may define the same color, pattern, or material as the first characteristic. Additionally or alternatively, the second characteristic may be complimentary to or contrast with the first characteristic.

As shown in FIG. 2, the void between first planar surface 117 and second planar surface 118 is unfilled or empty. Alternatively, the void between the first planar surface and second planar surface may be filled with a material or combination of materials to enhance or alter the physical properties of the bow member. Examples of acceptable filler materials include, but are not limited to, cotton fibers, scraps of fabric, and wax paper.

Additionally or alternatively, the void between the first planar surface and second planar surface may include framing or support structures that facilitate or allow the bow member to be shaped or hold a desired shape more easily. Examples of acceptable materials for the framing or support structures include, but are not limited to, metal, elastic, plastic, rubber, and paper.

In the FIG. 2 example, bow member 110 is folded in a plurality of longitudinal folds 115 extending from first edge 113 to second edge 114. Binder 120 extends around a medial portion 116 between first edge 113 and second edge 114 of bow member 110. Binder 120 maintains the plurality of longitudinal folds 115 proximate medial portion 116 and allows the plurality of longitudinal folds 115 to relax proximate first edge 113 and second edge 114.

As shown in FIG. 1, strap 130 is configured to selectively retain bow member 110 proximate a user's neck. Strap 130 includes a strap body 132, having a first end 133 and a second end 135 opposite first end 133. Strap 130 also includes a fastening element 134 fixedly secured to first end 133. Alternatively, the fastening element may be removably secured to the first end.

Also shown in FIG. 1, strap 130 includes receiving element 136 fixedly secured to second end 135; receiving element 136 is configured to receive fastening element 134. Alternatively, the receiving element may be removably secured to the second end.

Fastening element 134 and receiving element 136 cooperate to bind strap body 132 in a circumferential configuration and to removably secure strap 130 around a user's neck 199. As depicted in FIG. 1, fastening element 134 is a hook and receiving element 136 is a loop. The fastening element and the receiving element may be configured as any securing means suitable for securing the strap around a user's neck, including, but not limited to, hook-and-pile, snap-fit, and slot-button mechanisms.

Further, strap 130 includes adjustment member 138 slidingly mounted on strap body 132. Adjustment member 138 may be used to selectively tighten strap 130 for a secure fit on user's neck 199 or to loosen strap 130 for a more comfortable fit on user's neck 199. In the FIG. 1 example, adjustment member 138 is configured as a bisected metal loop. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment member may be configured in any manner that facilitates or allows user-selectable adjustment of the strap. Examples of acceptable adjustment members include, but are not limited to, slot-buttons, snap-fit mechanisms, and elastic members.

As shown in FIG. 1, strap 130 includes a checkered or grid pattern. The pattern of strap 130 is complimentary to first characteristic 150 pattern and second characteristic 155 pattern. Alternatively, the strap pattern may contrast the first characteristic, or the second characteristic, or both.

As shown in FIG. 1, the strap 130 color is blue. The color of strap 130 is complimentary to first characteristic 150 color and second characteristic 155 color. Alternatively, the strap color may contrast the first characteristic color, or the second characteristic color, or both.

Also shown in FIG. 1, the strap 130 material is cotton. The material of strap 130 is complimentary to first characteristic 150 material and second characteristic 155 material. Alternatively, the strap material may differ from the first characteristic, or the second characteristic, or both.

As shown in FIG. 1, binder 120 is configured to selectively bind bow member 110 to strap 130. Binder 120 includes linear body 122, which has a first end 123 and a second end 125 opposite the first end. Binder 120 further includes securing element 124 fixedly secured to linear body 122 proximate to first end 123 and a connecting element 126 fixedly secured to linear body 122 proximate to second end 125. Connecting element 126 is configured to receive securing element 124 to cooperatively bind linear body 122 in a circumferential configuration and selectively bind bow member 110 to strap 130.

As shown in FIG. 1, connecting element 126 and securing element 124 define a snap-fit connector in combination. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element and the securing element may be configured in any manner that facilitates or allows selectively binding the bow member to the strap. The connecting and securing elements may combine to define hook-and-pile, clasp, slot-button, and hook-and-loop fasteners.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, binder 120 is linear and relatively narrow in relation to medial portion 116 of bow member 110. However, the binder may be configured in any width or shape that facilitates or allows retaining the medial portion of the bow member proximate the strap. Examples of acceptable shapes include, but are not limited to, circles, ovals, squares, diamonds, and trapezoids.

In the FIG. 1 example, the length of binder 120 is configured to circumferentially bind bow member 110 to strap 130 in one revolution around bow member 110. Alternatively, the binder length may be configured in any length to facilitate or allow a plurality of revolutions around the bow member. The binder may circumferentially bind the bow member with two, five, or ten revolutions around the bow member.

As shown in FIG. 1, binder 120 includes a checkered or grid pattern. The pattern of binder 120 is complimentary to first characteristic 150 pattern and second characteristic 155 pattern. Alternatively, the binder pattern may contrast the first characteristic, or the second characteristic, or both.

As shown in FIG. 1, the binder 120 color is blue. The color of binder 120 is complimentary to first characteristic 150 color and second characteristic 155 color. Alternatively, the binder color may contrast the first characteristic color, or the second characteristic color, or both.

Also shown in FIG. 1, the binder 120 material is cotton. The material of binder 120 is complimentary to first characteristic 150 material and second characteristic 155 material. Alternatively, the binder material may differ from the first characteristic, or the second characteristic, or both.

Turning attention to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second example of a selectively interchangeable necktie system, selectively interchangeable necktie system 200, will now be described. Selectively interchangeable necktie system 200 includes many similar or identical features to selectively interchangeable necktie system 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of selectively interchangeable necktie system 200 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between selectively interchangeable necktie system 200 and selectively interchangeable necktie system 100 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two selectively interchangeable necktie systems.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, selectively interchangeable necktie system 200 includes a first bow member 210, a second bow member 260, a third bow member 270, a selectively adjustable strap 230, and a binder 220. Selectively interchangeable necktie system 200 includes a plurality of bow members (three of which are shown in the figures) configured in different shapes and sizes. A user may select any one or multiple bow members from the plurality of bow members when assembling selectively interchangeable necktie system 200.

As shown in FIG. 3, first bow member 210 includes a first characteristic 250 defining one or more of the color, pattern, and material of first bow member 210. In the FIG. 3 example, first characteristic 250 defines a herringbone pattern. The first characteristic may define any pattern now known or later developed. Suitable patterns may be striped, houndstooth, paisley, geometric, polka-dot, novelty images, and solid patterns.

Further, in the FIG. 3 example, the first characteristic 250 material is wool. The first characteristic may be made from of any material or fabric now know or later developed suitable for comprising bow members. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, silk, cotton, canvas, linen, polyester, nylon, and blends.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first characteristic 250 color is red. The first characteristic may define any color now known or later developed. Suitable colors include, but are not limited to, blue, green, yellow, purple, pink, white, and black.

Also shown in FIG. 3, second bow member 260 includes a second characteristic 255 defining the color, pattern, and material of second bow member 260. In the FIG. 3 example, second characteristic 255 defines a geometric pattern. Additionally or alternatively, the first characteristic may define any pattern now known or later developed, including, but not limited to, striped, houndstooth, paisley, herringbone, polka-dot, novelty images, and solid patterns.

In the FIG. 3 example, the second characteristic 255 material is silk. Additionally or alternatively, the second characteristic may define any material or fabric now know or later developed suitable for comprising bow members. Suitable bow member materials include, but are not limited to, wool, cotton, canvas, linen, polyester, nylon, and blends.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second characteristic 255 color is yellow. The color of second characteristic 255 is complimentary to the color of first characteristic 250. Alternatively, the second characteristic color may contrast the first characteristic color.

Also shown in FIG. 3, binder 220 includes a third characteristic 257 defining the color, pattern, and material of binder 220. In the FIG. 3 example, third characteristic 257 defines a solid pattern that differs from the patterns defined by first characteristic 250 and second characteristic 255; third characteristic 257 is complimentary to first characteristic 250 and second characteristic 255. Alternatively, the third characteristic may contrast with one or more of the first characteristic and second characteristic.

In FIG. 3, the third characteristic 257 material is cotton. Additionally or alternatively, the material of the third characteristic may be any material or fabric now know or later developed suitable for comprising binders. Suitable binder materials include, but are not limited to, wool, silk, canvas, linen, polyester, nylon, and blends.

As shown in FIG. 3, third characteristic 257 color is orange. The color of third characteristic 257 is complimentary to first characteristic 250 color and second characteristic 255 color. Alternatively, the third characteristic color may contrast the first characteristic color, or the second characteristic color, or both.

As shown in FIG. 3, first bow member 210, second bow member 260, and third bow member 270 are configured in different shapes and sizes. First bow member 210 is configured as a rectangle, second bow member 260 is configured as a rounded rectangle, and third bow member 270 is configured as a rounded rectangle with triangular portions removed from opposing sides of the medial portion.

Additionally or alternatively, the bow members may be configured in any shape or size that facilitates or allows a user to configure the selectively interchangeable necktie system. Acceptable bow member shapes include, but are not limited to, squares, circles, ovals, triangles, and diamonds.

Thus, as an advancement over conventional neckties, a user may select one or more of the plurality of bow members of selectively interchangeable necktie system 200 to customize or adapt the appearance and texture of the selectively interchangeable necktie system according to the user's preference. Selectively interchangeable necktie system 200 is adaptable to a user's evolving wardrobe.

Turning attention to FIG. 5, a selectively interchangeable necktie, selectively interchangeable necktie 300, will now be described. Selectively interchangeable necktie 300 includes a first bow member 310, a second bow member 360, a selectively adjustable strap 330, and a snap-fit binder 320.

As shown in FIG. 5, first bow member 310 includes a first characteristic 350 defining the color, the pattern, and the material of first bow member 310. In the FIG. 5 example, the first characteristic 350 color is black, the material of first characteristic 350 is silk, and the pattern defined by first characteristic 350 is solid. As stated above the first characteristic may define any now known or later developed color, pattern, or material.

As shown in FIG. 5, second bow member 360 includes a second characteristic 355 defining the color, the pattern, and the material of second bow member 360. In the FIG. 5 example, second characteristic 355 differs from, but compliments, first characteristic 350. Alternatively, the second characteristic may contrast the first characteristic.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second characteristic 355 color is white and blue, the material of second characteristic 355 is cotton, and the second characteristic 355 pattern is striped. As stated above the second characteristic may define any now known or later developed color, pattern, or material.

Also shown in FIG. 5, snap-fit binder 320 includes a color, pattern, and material substantially matching second characteristic 355 and complimentary to first characteristic 350. Alternatively, the color, pattern, or material of the snap-fit binder may contrast the first characteristic or the second characteristic, or both.

In FIG. 5, the snap-fit binder 320 color is white and blue, the material of snap-fit binder 320 is cotton, and the snap-fit binder 320 pattern is striped. As described above the snap-fit binder may define any now known or later developed color or pattern; the snap-fit binder may be comprised of any now known or later developed material.

As shown in FIG. 5, selectively adjustable strap 330 includes a color, pattern, and material substantially matching first characteristic 350 and complimentary to second characteristic 355. Alternatively, the color, pattern, or material of the selectively adjustable strap may contrast with the first characteristic or the second characteristic, or both.

In FIG. 5, the selectively adjustable strap 330 color is black, the material of selectively adjustable strap 330 is silk, and the selectively adjustable strap 330 pattern is solid. As described above the selectively adjustable strap may define any now known or later developed color or pattern; the selectively adjustable strap may be comprised of any now known or later developed material.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A selectively interchangeable necktie system, comprising: a bow member; a strap configured to retain the bow member proximate a user's neck; and a binder configured to selectively bind the bow member to the strap.
 2. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 1, wherein the bow member is substantially planar and defines: a top edge; a bottom edge; a first edge extending between the top edge and the bottom edge; and a second edge opposite the first edge and extending between the top edge and the bottom edge.
 3. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 2, wherein: the bow member includes a plurality of longitudinal folds extending from the first edge to the second edge; and the binder extends around and cinches a medial portion of the bow member between the first edge and the second edge to maintain the plurality of longitudinal folds formed in the bow member proximate the medial portion of the bow member and to allow the longitudinal folds to relax proximate the first edge and the second edge of the bow member.
 4. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 2, wherein: the bow member defines: a first planar surface bounded by the top edge, the bottom edge, the first edge, and the second edge; and a second planar surface opposite the first planar surface and bounded by the top edge, the bottom edge, the first edge, and the second edge; wherein the first planar surface includes a first characteristic defining one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of the first planar surface; and the second planar surface includes a second characteristic defining one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of the second planar surface.
 5. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 4, wherein the first characteristic and the second characteristic are identical.
 6. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 1, wherein the strap includes: a strap body including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a fastening element fixedly secured to the first end of the strap body; a receiving element fixedly secured to the second end of the strap body, the receiving element configured to receive the fastening element; and an adjustment member slidingly mounted on the strap body; wherein the fastening element and the receiving element cooperate to bind the strap body in a circumferential configuration and to removably secure the strap around a user's neck.
 7. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 6, wherein the fastening element is a hook and the receiving element is a loop.
 8. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 1, wherein the binder includes: a linear body including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a securing element fixedly secured proximate to the first end of the linear body; a connecting element fixedly secured proximate to the second end of the linear body; the connecting element configured to receive the securing element; wherein the securing element and the connecting element cooperate to bind the linear body in a circumferential configuration to selectively bind the bow member to the strap.
 9. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 8, wherein the connecting element and the securing element in combination define a snap-fit connector.
 10. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 8, wherein the connecting element and the securing element in combination define a hook-and-pile connector.
 11. A selectively interchangeable necktie system, wherein the system comprises: a first bow member; a second bow member; a selectively adjustable strap configured to retain the first bow member and the second bow member proximate a user's neck; and a binder configured to selectively bind the first bow member and the second bow member to the strap, the binder being configured to extend around medial portions of the first and second bow members.
 12. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of bow members.
 13. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 12, wherein each of the bow members in the plurality of bow members have different shapes, sizes, or materials.
 14. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 11, wherein: the first bow member includes a first characteristic defining one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of the first bow member; the second bow member includes a second characteristic defining one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of the second bow member; the first characteristic is different than the second characteristic; and the binder has different characteristics including color, pattern, and material.
 15. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 14, wherein: the binder includes a third characteristic defining one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of the binder; and the third characteristic is different than one or more of the first characteristic and the second characteristic.
 16. The selectively interchangeable necktie system of claim 15, wherein the first characteristic, the second characteristic, and the third characteristic are complimentary.
 17. A selectively interchangeable necktie comprising: a first bow member including a first characteristics defining one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of the first bow member; a second bow member including a second characteristic defining one or more of the color, the pattern, and the material of the second bow member; a selectively adjustable strap configured to retain the first and second bow members proximate a user's neck; and a snap-fit binder configured to selectively bind the first and second bow members to the strap by extending around medial portions of the first and second bow members and engaging the strap; wherein the first characteristic and the second characteristic are different.
 18. The selectively interchangeable necktie of claim 17, wherein first characteristic and the second characteristic are complimentarily.
 19. The selectively interchangeable necktie of claim 17, wherein the material defined by the first characteristic of the first bow member is silk and the material defined by the second characteristic of the second bow member is cotton.
 20. The selectively interchangeable necktie of claim 17, wherein the pattern defined by the first characteristic of the first bow member is solid and the pattern defined by the second characteristic of the second bow member is striped. 